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Sagkeeng Old Timers Team 2024 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The Sakgeeng Oldtimers Hockey Club had its origins at the Sakgeeng First Nation, a community 100 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba, with players ranging in age from 35 to over 50. The players were of Ojibway and Cree ancestry and came from native communities throughout Manitoba. The team was founded by Walter and Verna Fontaine. The first language of the team is Saulteaux, and the club wears the red and white colors of the Fort Alexander Indian Band. Sakgeeng is the Saulteaux word for “at the mouth of the river”, and the community of Sakgeeng (named Fort Alexander by fur traders) is at the mouth of the Winnipeg River where it empties into Lake Winnipeg. The team joined the Canadian Old Timers Hockey Association (COHA) in 1978 and played in international tournaments sponsored by COHA in Copenhagen, Denmark (1978); Toronto, Canada (1982); Munich, West Germany (1983); London, England (1984); Nice, France (1985); Paris, France (1986); Montreal, Canada (1987); and Montreal, Canada (1988). The teams won the 1983 World Cup in Munich, the 1987 World Cup in Montreal, and the 1988 COHA National Cup in Montreal. The Sakgeeng Old Timers were honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and artifacts for the teams are there on display. The roster of the teams included: Bob Boyer, Don Campbell, Paul Chartrand, Rene Desjarlais, Ted Fontaine, Dave Harper, John Hunter, George Kakeway, Gord Woo, Wayne Viznaugh, Phil Fontaine, Walter Fontaine, Norman Gunn, Bernie Wood, Ken Young, Jim Neilson, Mercel Flett, Joe Malcolm, Ron Guimond, Gerald Harry, Jim Prince, George Hickes and Rene Norma Ted Fontaine and Jim Neilson are also individually inducted in the athlete category in the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame.

< Back Phil Jordon Phil Jordon Nomlaki Wailaki Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Phil Jordon is the Redwood Empire’s forgotten NBA big man. Born in 1933, Phil attended Willits High School, moving to Spokane after receiving a scholarship to play basketball for Whitworth College. His opportunities in a small town were limited and his ability as an athlete of unusual height, provided his chance. His early life was not easy, his father died when he was a teenager and mother Elizabeth had to care for the four boys and his sister. When the scholarship was offered, it included a home. His Native culture was only evident with his family and friends. The Nome Cult Trail in 1863 brought together many tribes in Northern California during its awful forced march from Paskenta to the Round Valley Reservation. Phil’s Nomlaki and Wailaki heritage was created at this time. At Whitworth College, Phil’s team was Collegiate Champion in 1954 and in 1956, Phil was on the Buchan Bakers AAU Championship team. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1956 of the NBA, which had only eight teams. Phil Jordon was the first Native American to play in the NBA, a trailblazer, and like his African American teammates, suffered from racists and bigots of the times. Phil was an effective big man of that era, averaging over 10 points a game, scoring with a hook shot, from both hands. He played alongside and against the greats of those times, teaming with Bob Cousy, and Oscar Robertson and against Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. The only reason Wilt scored 100 points in an NBA game, was because Phil was ill and could not suit up. He played also for the Cincinnati Royals, Detroit Pistons and the St. Louis Hawks, from 1956-1963. On January 5, 2025, the Golden State Warriors honored Phil Jordon with a halftime celebration, including native dancers from Northern California, and Paskenta Tribal Dancers. The Warriors presented his sister Shirley and daughter Juliana with a Certificate of Excellence on his behalf. The Nomlaki Band of Paskenta Indians has a Federal Reservation near Corning, California, created in 1994, and after many years of effort to become recognized. Phil died by drowning on the Puyallup River, in Tacoma, Washington in 1963. <Back

Media Sunnie R. Clahchischiligi Diné (Navajo)

< Back Steve McDonald Steve McDonald Prairie Band Potawatomi Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Steve McDonald is a Life Member of the Professional Golf Association (PGA). He was a two-year, four-sport letterman at Haskell Indian Junior College in football, basketball, baseball and golf. McDonald played golf at Washburn University, where he won five college tournaments. As a golf professional he has won over 35 sanctioned PGA Midwest and South Florida Section tournaments, including the 1988 Midwest Section Match Play Championship. He was named seven times to the Midwest Section PGA Cup Team. He was also named four times as a member of the Midwest Section PGA District VII Cup Team and a two-time member of the South Florida Section Chapter Cup Team. McDonald won eight times on the First Nations Golf Associations Professional Golf Tour. He was twice named the First Nations Golf Association Player of the Year. He is a founding Board Member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN) Boys and Girls Club and The First Tee of Shawnee County. He was a Board of Trustee Member to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. In 2006 he served as Chef de’Mission for Team Kansas at the North American Indigenous Games held in Denver, CO and was also the Commissioner of Golf. He has visited over 25 Native American Reservations teaching youth golf. He was the Head Golf Professional at Addison Reserve, Delray Beach, FL, the General Manager of The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes, Lake Mary, FL, the Director of Golf Instruction at Lake Shawnee Golf Course, Topeka, KS, and the Vice President of Golf at Jacks Bay, a Tiger Woods designed golf course. McDonald is a two-time cancer survivor and the 2022 South Florida Section PGA of America Deacon Palmer Award winner. He is semi-retired but still playing and teaching, and to date he has given over 20,000 lifetime golf lessons. <Back

< Back Mary Killman Bancroft Mary Killman Bancroft Citizen Potawatomi Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Mary Killman Bancroft was born in Ada, Oklahoma, though she has always claimed Texas as her home. She is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) and represented the United States of America at the 2012 London Olympic Games in Synchronized Swimming as the youngest athlete to qualify. She was inducted into the USA Synchro Hall of Fame in 2020, holds four Athlete of the Year Titles, and earned an impressive 36 medals during her 15 year career. Killman Bancroft is very proud of her heritage, shown in her first solo synchronized swimming competition in 2003, Bancroft’s (then Killman) routine was set to North American flute music and she wore a decoration of the CPN seal on her hip. Her identity is not only to the Potawatomi tribe, but also to Native American people in general; her father’s side of the family is Potawatomi and her mother’s side is Choctaw. She feels that her heritage has instilled a strong will. After all, Killman Bancroft made her name known in a sport where the required elegance and good timing in the pool is forged by a grueling training regime of up to 60 hours per week. Killman Bancroft still enjoys giving back to the sport that made her who she is today by doing camps, as well as consulting with the National Team when needed. <Back

Honoring and recognizing the empowered journey of North American Indigenous athletes. North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame By honoring and celebrating the empowered journey of these individuals and teams, the hope is their stories may inspire future generations to follow their dreams in athletics and life. Read About NAIAHF 2026 North American Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Saturday, May 30th 2026 Oneida, WI USA Learn More Athletes Coaches Builders Teams Media Officials Trainers Inductee Search

Kali “KO” Mequinonoag Reis Category Athlete Tribe Seaconke Wampanoag Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 8/24/1986 Kali “KO” Mequinonoag Reis hails from East Providence RI, is a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe and is the first Indigenous Woman fighter to become a World Champion. As a Professional Boxer, Reis has attained six World Titles in two weight classes and is currently the WBA, IBO and WBO Super Lightweight World Champion and is on the “Road to Undisputed”. Kali made history when she participated in HBOs’ first ever Women’s televised in 2018. She uses her boxing platform to spread awareness on various issues such as the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women). Living up to her given name Mequinonoag, translated to Many Feathers/Many Talents, Kali is a certified Motorcycle/Small Engines Technician and has worked as a Residential Counselor since 2009. She has found healing in sharing her story and mentoring troubled youth with a relatable approach, as well as traveling to speak with and support various communities in hopes of being a positive example to “Never throw in the towel no matter what punches life throws at you”. In 2021, Kali made her acting debut with the lead role in the film ‘Catch the Fair One; in which she also received a writer’s credit. This film highlights the MMIW epidemic & earned a Special Jury Mention award at the Tribeca film festival. Recently, an Indie Film Spirit Award nominee for Best Female Lead Actress was announced for Reis’ performance. This mixed Cape Verdean/Native American has a “Voice for the Voiceless.” Home 2026 Banquet About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

Sianneh Mulbah Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back Sianneh Mulbah enters her 13th season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx and her fifth as Chief People Officer. Mulbah is responsible for developing and executing the organization’s comprehensive human resources strategy and is integral to the Executive Team. During her tenure, Mulbah has played a crucial role in transforming the organization’s culture. In 2019, Mulbah became the first Timberwolves and Lynx employee to receive the prestigious Sports Business Journal “Game Changers” award. She was among forty women nationwide honored in New York City for transforming the industry and leading the next generation of women in the sports business. In 2018, Mulbah was named to Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list, which recognizes high-achieving business leaders in the community. Mulbah was also named a Twin Cities Business 2021 Notable BIPOC Executive for her leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Mulbah leads the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Women in Sports Leadership Council, which focuses on women's professional growth and development in the workplace. She also serves on the Advisory board of directors for the Twin Cities chapter of Women in Sports and Events (WISE). Before her Advisory role, Mulbah held the position of VP of Mentorship for WISE. In January, Mulbah began her most recent community-focused role when she assumed a board of directors’ role with Volunteers of America. In addition to WISE and VOA, Mulbah also holds a board position on the Ceridian Cares Charity, based out of Toronto, Ontario, and is in her second term as Secretary of School District 196’s (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan), Native American Parent Advisory Committee, which purpose is to serve in an advisory capacity for planning and implementing programs and events that support District 196 American Indian students and their families. A graduate of Bemidji State University, Mulbah received a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She received a double master’s degree in organizational management–HR and Business Administration from Concordia University-St. Paul. Mulbah resides in the Twin Cities with her son, a senior at the University of MN – Duluth majoring in Journalism, and daughter, a seventh grader and avid soccer player.

North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF) Banquet Sponsorship Information Saturday, June 7, 2025 Oneida Hotel and Conference Center; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA 2025 Sponsorship Information: The deadline to receive sponsorship payment and copy ready logos is noon central time on June 1, 2025. Payment can be sent to PayPal to code: coach.danninham@midco.net or postal mailed in a check or money order to Empowered Youth Development Initiatives, PO Box 652, Red Lake, MN, USA, 56671. Contact Dr. Dan Ninham at 218.368.6430 or coach.danninham@gmail.com to receive additional details about the 2025 NAIAHF Banquet sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship provides a Nike red bag, 2’x4’ banner and gift to attending inductees. If you want any of these items you can purchase them: Nike red bag for $45 USD each, 2'X4' banner for $45 USD each or a 4'6' banner for $110 USD each. These costs may change depending on the size of the order. These can either be purchased by the individual inductee, or the inductee can find a sponsor and send Dr. Dan a logo in a vector pdf file format to be placed on the bottom left space opposite the QR Code. The deadline to order is Friday noon central time, May 2, 2025 and a shipping cost will be added to the billing invoice. DON’T SEND PAYMENT UNTIL YOU ARE GIVEN A COST AND OTHER PROCEDURES. Contact Dr. Dan if you want to see a sample bag and banner. Note: No one is allowed to use the NAIAHF logo to print on a product without written consent from Dr. Dan and Susan. Dr. Dan and Susan Ninham, NAIAHF Gold Sponsor $5,000 Three reserved VIP banquet tables for 10 per table and 30 total Logo on the Welcome signage Logo on both sides of the Autograph Card Logo and website link on the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame webpage 2’x4’ banner at the banquet One sponsor spokesperson will speak for five minutes at the afternoon banquet session Announcement of Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors at the banquet Silver Sponsor $3,000 Two reserved VIP banquet tables for 10 per table and 20 total Logo on the Welcome signage Logo on both sides of the Autograph Card Logo and website link on the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame webpage 2’x4’ banner at the banquet One sponsor spokesperson will speak for five minutes at the afternoon banquet session Announcement of Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors at the Banquet Bronze Sponsor $1,000 One reserved VIP banquet table for 10 total Logo on the Welcome signage Logo on both sides of the Autograph Card Logo and website link on the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame webpage Video screen logo at the banquet One sponsor spokesperson will speak for five minutes at the afternoon banquet session Announcement of Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors at the Banquet Hall Of Fame Table Sponsor $400 per 10 seat table Logo or words on the bottom of both sides of the Autograph Card Sponsor may designate who will be seated or allow Dr. Dan and Susan to seat people Announcement as a Table Sponsor at the Banquet Hall of Fame Banquet Drawing Prize Sponsor $500+ retail value of drawing prizes Logo or words on the bottom of both sides of the Autograph Card Announcement as a Drawing Sponsor at the Banquet 2024 Sponsors

St. Croix Ojibwe Michael Thomas St. Croix Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Official 2022 <Back Michael Thomas is a Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) basketball official for 27 years, officiating the State Tournament for 11 years with two championship games. He started officiating basketball for all Native American basketball tournaments and quickly worked his way to MSHSL and up to the varsity level. The highlight of his career is officiating for Native youth that make it to the State Tournament. Michael has been involved in many different sports as a player himself, coach or official. Personal highlights include winning the State Championship in boxing and on to Nationals in Reno Nevada. Scoring 67 points in a single basketball game at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Coaching his grandkids and great grandkids in multiple sports, with many championship trophies to prove it. Michael served in the US Army for three years and has done honor guard at Pow Wows as a veteran. He sang on his father’s drum, Minneapolis Ojibwe, with his brothers for many years, he is an avid deer hunter and was a postal carrier for 32 years. Michel is most proud of the family he raised with his wife, Debra who he has been married to for 46 years.

< Back Alwyn Morris Alwyn Morris Kahnawake Mohawk Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Alwyn Morris was born on the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake. At the age of fourteen, he became interested in the Onake Paddling Club that operated on the Mohawk territory despite questions about why he didn’t want to pursue hockey or lacrosse. Morris excelled in the sport quickly, and at the age of 18 moved to Vancouver to train, where he met Hugh Fisher, his future kayak partner. In 1977, he won the K-1 1,000-metre and the K-1 500-metre junior national championships. That same year he was named the recipient of the Tom Longboat Award for the first time and one of the most prestigious awards for Aboriginal athletes in the country. In 1980, Alwyn Morris earned a spot on the Canadian Olympic team. He did not compete that year, but Alwyn and Hugh Fisher teamed up and continued to train in preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics. They raced in the 1984 Summer Olympic paddling competition in the K-2 event (kayak pairs) winning gold in the 1,000-metre competition and bronze in the 500 meter event. Alwyn was once again named as the recipient of the Tom Longboat Award, was later inducted into the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and appointed to the Order of Canada for outstanding service and achievement. Alwyn proudly raised an eagle feather on the Olympic podium. This gesture was an important symbolic moment about honouring lessons he had learned from his grandfather including perseverance and dedication. Following his career as a high-level and influential athlete for Team Canada, Morris has focused much of his time and energy in addressing barriers for Indigenous athletes. He established the Alwyn Morris Education and Athletic Foundation and continues to coach the youth of Kahnawake in kayaking, canoeing, and hockey. He was influential in the development of and continues to serve with the Aboriginal Sports Circle and has served with the Canada Games Council, the Canadian Sport Secretariat, and as a Special Policy Advisor for Aboriginal People and the Constitution to the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark during the Meech Lake and Charlottetown processes. In 1988, 2004 and 2010, Alwyn had the honour of bearing the Olympic torch through the Kahnawake Territory for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. On June 21, 2022, Western University bestowed an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indigenous sports in Canada. <Back

Carolyn Darbyshire-McRorie Category Athlete Tribe Metis Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 12/6/1963 Carolyn was a contributing member of four provincial championships in 1985, 2007, 2009, and 2020. Playing with her mother in 1985, the team represented Manitoba at the Canadians. She moved to Calgary and played in many competitive play downs and an Olympic Trials spot in 2001, where she played all positions on mixed and ladies teams in that time period. Curling with Team Bernard in 2006, they played in various spiels and went on to win two provincial championships, the Olympic Trials in Edmonton and the Silver Medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, BC. In 2020, she went on to win the Senior Provincial Championship and went to play at the Canadians in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. In 2017, Carolyn went on to get her coaching certificate to give back to her curling community which has given her so much. She has coached a women’s team to their first Alberta Championship and an Olympic Trials spot. In 2018-19, she went on to work in China as the National Women’s curling coach, working with five teams at their Centre located in Beijing. Working closely with two teams, taking them throughout the World Curling Tour events, moved one team from a rank of 50th and 104th to a 24th and 26th ranking in the World Curling standings and a 5th place standing at the World Curling Championships. Carolyn is now back in Canada coaching junior teams for the past two years. Her hopes are to continue curling competitively and working with teams to help give them the knowledge of the game that has given her so much joy and happiness in her life. Home 2026 Banquet About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More